Comments on: A New CSA in Town! http://straightfromthefarm.net/2009/01/28/a-new-csa-in-town/ In the kitchen with truly fresh produce Sat, 19 May 2012 16:52:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Jennie http://straightfromthefarm.net/2009/01/28/a-new-csa-in-town/#comment-4583 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:17:06 +0000 http://straightfromthefarm.net/?p=1546#comment-4583 Oh gosh, A. Woz, this could be a long reply… :) The thing about “organic” is that it means so many different things to so many different people, particularly to the “regulators” in the food production chain. Some states are super strick and some states aren’t nearly as much when it comes to the certification process and what you can apply to your crops. In almost all cases, something that is certified organic does not mean it was never sprayed with a pesticide. There are “organic” pesticides; quite a few of them actually. There have been whole volumes written on the subject (would highly recommend this one: http://www.amazon.com/Buy-Not-Organic-Healthiest-Earth-Friendly/dp/1569242682/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233263016&sr=1-1) so I won’t go into the politics (yes, hardcore politics!) of being certified organic. Suffice to say that it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. What IS what it’s cracked up to be is getting to know your farmers (or growing your own) and finding out how the food you eat is cultivated. Thus I often promote “sustainable” and “chemical free” food production, rather than “organic”. For instance, at Weavers Way Farm the only sprays used on the crops are soaps and oils (completely harmless to humans and biodegradable), which serve to either suffocate the bugs or dry them up (sorry to be blunt; if you’re a vegan who’s concerned about bug life, you might need to stop eating even your veggies). And the only nutrient supplements given to the plants are compost processed right on the farm. BUT, Weavers Way Farm is only a very small urban farm and couldn’t even begin to afford the cost of getting certified as “organic”. And yet the sustainable and organic growing practices there are almost certain to far outstride every big “organic” producer in California. Hopefully I’m not muddling this topic for you…I’m very passionate about it to the point that it sometimes makes it hard to be succinct. :) The short answer is: go to a farmers market and ask a lot of questions about how the produce is grown and you’ll soon get a sense of how each farmer approaches this complicated topic. Thanks for asking such a great question! Sometimes I forget to explain some key concepts around here so please always ask!! :)

]]> By: A. Woz http://straightfromthefarm.net/2009/01/28/a-new-csa-in-town/#comment-4581 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:30:36 +0000 http://straightfromthefarm.net/?p=1546#comment-4581 Want to take a stab at defining organic vs Chemical free…not one in the same?

]]> By: Jennie http://straightfromthefarm.net/2009/01/28/a-new-csa-in-town/#comment-4577 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:33:41 +0000 http://straightfromthefarm.net/?p=1546#comment-4577 Elizabeth – Yep, the produce will be grown using organic growing practices. It won’t be certified organic since the cost of getting certified is way out of reach for a small operation like this. I vouch for the farmers being incredibly dedicated to sustainable practices, including using no chemicals. Hope you’ll consider joining!

Mangochild – Thanks! :) Hopefully there are some CSAs around you in CT….

]]> By: Mangochild http://straightfromthefarm.net/2009/01/28/a-new-csa-in-town/#comment-4575 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:34:15 +0000 http://straightfromthefarm.net/?p=1546#comment-4575 Wonderful to hear. I don’t live in the area (I’m in CT) but hearing that there is an expansion of options for locally grown food just brings a smile to my face. I hope that many people hear and take advantage of the opportunity to provide the momentum to keep such projects going. From what I have been reading, Philly does a good job with that.

]]> By: Elizabeth http://straightfromthefarm.net/2009/01/28/a-new-csa-in-town/#comment-4574 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:50:05 +0000 http://straightfromthefarm.net/?p=1546#comment-4574 This is great news! thanks for updating and keeping us locals informed! Quick question – will the produce be organic?

]]>